The pukeko - so endearing yet frequently a pest. Photo supplied.

I can already hear the gasps of horror from all of you bird lovers but believe me, for every bird lover there is a property owner having paddocks, ponds, crops and gardens pillaged by excessively high numbers of gamebirds gone bad. 

By far the most common culprits are paradise shellducks Tadorna variegata and pukeko Porphyrio porphyrio. 

Both of these native species have benefited immensely from land clearance and their populations have increased as result of there being simply more ideal habitat for them now, than ever before. 

Paradise shellducks spend much of the year in pairs but then gather in large groups for the annual moult during December-February. Extensive paddock damage and fouling of troughs is often the result. 

Pukeko are extremely successful breeders and even small numbers can multiply to become problematic in a very short time.  Paddock damage, predation of other birds chicks, fouling of troughs and damage to new plantings are common problems associated with an increasing Pukeko population. 

Both of these species are classified as gamebirds, meaning they can be controlled only during the gamebird season or by obtaining a special permit from the Department of Conservation at all other times of the year. 

DOC’s permit system specifies that the problem must be of a serious nature, impact directly on a commercial enterprise or health regulation, and you must demonstrate that you have already taken all practicable steps to mitigate the issue. I was responsible for administering this system for many years and while the majority of applicants were suffering very real nuisance bird problems, they could seldom tick all of the boxes and qualify for a permit. 

If this is the situation you have found yourself in, then the gamebird season will provide the perfect opportunity to get the job done.

The rules and regulations governing gamebird shooting vary from region to region so it’s well worth having a good read of the 2011 Gamebird Hunting Guide available online at www.fishandgame.org.nz and from most fishing/hunting supply stores. 

It’s crammed with legal jargon and can be tough going but the basics for Auckland this year are that you can shoot 10 paradise ducks per day south of the harbour bridge, 20 per day north of the harbour bridge and 20 pukeko per day in either of these locations. 

For those suffering a mid-level problem this should afford a pretty quick fix.

Gamebird licenses for adults cost $19.00 for a single day or $86 for the whole season.

If you occupy the land you intend to shoot on then no license is required but be sure to read the hunting guide before you start as there appears to be a whole lot written on the subject of who qualifies as an “occupier”. 

If engaging someone else to do the work, remember that ultimately the responsibility falls on you the landowner so you need to be certain of the quality of your shooter. 

Make the most of this season, Pooks and Paris are not often the greatest eating, but you need to get them on the table before you find that out.

As always, feel free to drop me a line to talk it through.

Please help us to provide the advice you require by sending all pest animal questions to: info@coastalpestsolutions.co.nz.